Louise - selling so soon?

[shnozz]

Louise - see your selling the other S that I was very interested in before buying mine. I still have a massive everytime I get in mine and could only consider getting shot of her for a Chimaera. How come you are getting rid of yours? (just interested in view of the fact we bought at similar times)

[Louise Macey]

Dear Phil
The S is a great car and it is a reluctant sale - just need a newer car. I do not have the time or knowledge to keep mine in tip top condition and I do not want it to deteriorate. I also do not have anyone I trust to carry out repairs for me and I am wary of being ripped off. However I am not leaving the TVR circuit, I would be miserable without one now. I am looking for a Chimaera - hoping that with a newer car I will have less visits to a garage. Any advice would be greatly appreciated - i.e would I be better off part exchanging my S or should I continue to pursue a private sale?
Louise

[M@H]

quote:
Dear Phil
The S is a great car and it is a reluctant sale - just need a newer car. I do not have the time or knowledge to keep mine in tip top condition and I do not want it to deteriorate. I also do not have anyone I trust to carry out repairs for me and I am wary of being ripped off. However I am not leaving the TVR circuit, I would be miserable without one now. I am looking for a Chimaera - hoping that with a newer car I will have less visits to a garage. Any advice would be greatly appreciated - i.e would I be better off part exchanging my S or should I continue to pursue a private sale?
Louise

Louise.. are you copying me ... a word on trade-in... you'd get the least value for your old car, and pay the most value for the new one... the only payoff being you tend to get a "warranty" with the new one.. but these days that can mean anything... (sorry to sound negative)

Cheers
Matt.

[andyvg]

I think you need to look again at your reasons for doing this. (apologies for any obvious assumptions made...)

Firstly you probably bought the S for one of 2 reasons - you really like the S shape and wanted one above any other TVR or you wanted a Chimeara in the first place but couldn't afford one.

You obviously have a pretty good S series and if you are stretching to a Chimeara you'll probably be looking at one of the first 'serpentine' engined models (around N/P reg) in which case you will be looking at similar servicing and running issues as you already have with the S (bear in mind that all TVR's have pretty much the same issues - chassis rust, leaks, paintwork etc.) and that the Chimeara has similar Ford mechanicals to the S so most service items will be of similar cost (Also if you had a Chimeara of this vintage you'd take it to an independant anyway.. wouldn't you...)

I would never advocate trading a TVR in especially at the moment when the market seems so depressed - see other PH threads for examples of trade in values.

I think you should seriously sit down and work out how much a Chimeara will cost against having your S looked after by a specialist twice a year - you'll be surprised at how little difference there is and remember the S series can still worry a lot of people out there with its performance.

As far as getting ripped off by garages goes, There are a lot of excellent TVR independants that would be as happy to work on your S as they would to work on a Cerbera (probably more so...) and wouldn't you be taking the Chimeara to the same people anyway?

Andy.

>> Edited by andyvg on Monday 16th September 16:05

[M@H]

quote:
You obviously have a pretty good S series and if you are stretching to a Chimeara you'll probably be looking at one of the first 'serpentine' engined models (around N/P reg)

err.. why ?

[andyvg]

quote:

quote:
You obviously have a pretty good S series and if you are stretching to a Chimeara you'll probably be looking at one of the first 'serpentine' engined models (around N/P reg)

err.. why ?

Its the sensible option - the serpentine engined cars have a lot of improvements (T5 gearbox for one) that make it a better all round car - and they don't seem to be commanding that much higher prices, the newer cars are still too expensive (for me anyway and presuming the reason for buying the S was affordability Louise as well).

Don't get me wrong the early Chimeara's are aslo very good cars (got an early Griffith myself) - but Louise's reason for selling seems to be down to the amount of garage bills - and early cars will probably spend as much time and money at the garage as the S will to keep it in the same condition.



>> Edited by andyvg on Monday 16th September 17:18

[Louise Macey]

Thanks for your comments and your points are noted. I suppose I would be facing the same maintenance issues with a Chimaera. I shall keep thinking about it. Guess I just need to find myself a trustworthy mechanic.
Louise

[shnozz]

Interesting to hear what you say Louise. I think I would probably echo the comments made by the others to be honest. I feel bitten by the TVR bug now and will be looking towards a Chim or Griff in due course. Having read M@H's comments about his new purchase I am in no hurry to get rid of the S and whilst the grin remains plastered to my face I don't intend to trade up (sideways maybe Matt!).

I can't remember where you are based but if you are anywhere near then I can wholly recommend David Batty in Guildford area as far as mechanics go. Found him very straightforward, honest and good prices.

On the keeping it in tip top condition point - I bought mine to drive. I try and take reasonable care of it too but the carpets are a little tatty, there are quite a few stone chips etc etc. I am loathe to spend time and money on sorting everything A1 purely because the car is to be driven and looks great anyway - I dont want to have to pamper it all the time as its my only car and I dont have a bottomless pit of cash.

Anyways - let us know what you decide either way.

Phil

[M@H]

quote:
Thanks for your comments and your points are noted. I suppose I would be facing the same maintenance issues with a Chimaera. I shall keep thinking about it. Guess I just need to find myself a trustworthy mechanic.
Louise

How about one in Ledbury, or is that a bit far ?
Cheers
Matt

[Roger G.Brown]

Interesting this because I am thinking along similar lines about my S2. My question is this: Is there a listing of good independent people who will keep an S in shape without costing an arm and a leg? Is it somewhere here on Pistonheads by chance? I'm not sure where to go with mine. I live in Staffordshire/Cheshire area but am happy to travel to find the right person. Any thoughts please?

[keirangrogan]

quote:
I live in Staffordshire/Cheshire area but am happy to travel to find the right person. Any thoughts please?

Is Marple near Stockport too far, I have mine fettled by Tony at Compstall Motors, he is a one man band, who I have known for around 20 years.

He has donkeys years of Ford Experience and even sorted a problem on an RS Turbo of mine that Collins Motor Sport in Congleton Failed to find with thier rolling road and all of thier electronic gizzmos.

He has looked after my S for the last 4 years, and has got used to the slightly different parts bin.

Try him on 0161 449 7796

[Roger G.Brown]

Thanks Keiran I will. Stockport is not too far.

[snellc]

Does anyone know how to get hold of Louise. Im keen to view her S2 for sale, and her email is reporting an error of not being delivered?

Thanks.